“Hitch Hiking Is Safe”: The Ultimate Oxymoron

We’re thrilled to introduce Ylia Trotter, an amazing screenwriter from New Zealand who is making waves in the industry! His latest project, “Hitch Hiking is Safe,” has earned him a spot as a finalist for the Best Dark Comedy Film Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. He has brought an intriguing mix of dark humor and suspense to life in this short film. The film, which draws from Trotter’s own experiences and a surprising conversation about the dangers of hitchhiking, explores the chilling yet comedic scenario where both the driver and the hitchhiker are serial killers.

The Genesis of “Hitch Hiking Is Safe”
The inspiration for Hitch Hiking Is Safe struck Ylia during a casual lunch with friends. Growing up in the remote area of Te Arai, New Zealand, Ylia frequently hitchhiked into town as a teenager. The conversation at lunch took a dark turn when his friends shared their fears of hitchhiking—one feared the driver might be a serial killer, while another worried about picking up a dangerous hitchhiker. This sparked the idea: what if both the driver and the hitchhiker were serial killers, completely unaware of each other’s true nature?

Ylia quickly realized the potential for a dark comedy. The concept evolved beyond a simple gag into a deeper exploration of the two killers’ psyches. As the story unfolds, these outcasts, who approach killing in different ways, find themselves recognizing a kindred spirit in one another. What begins as a humorous situation develops into a poignant moment of self-realization, as each character sees a reflection of themselves in the other.

Overcoming the Challenges
The production of Hitch Hiking Is Safe was not without its challenges. Filmed over three days, the shoot was plagued by unexpected rain, which, while initially a logistical nightmare, ultimately added to the film’s stormy horror atmosphere. In a fortunate twist, the script’s dialogue even mentioned the possibility of rain, making the weather an unintentional yet fitting backdrop for the film’s events.

In addition to battling the elements, Ylia and his team embarked on a unique journey of documenting the entire filmmaking process. They created weekly one-minute vlogs throughout pre-production, shooting, and post-production, culminating in a 20-minute documentary. This content not only engaged their audience but also helped them successfully crowdfund the film’s production budget. Although Ylia is proud of this achievement, he admits that the additional workload of creating so much content alongside the film was intense.

A New Filmmaker on the Rise
Hitch Hiking Is Safe marks Ylia Trotter’s debut short film, but his passion for filmmaking has been a lifelong pursuit. From creating Lego stop-motion movies as a child to vlogging and working in video production, Ylia has always been drawn to visual storytelling. After working at an agency and eventually starting his video business, Sharehouse Video, with his wife, he finally took the plunge into screenwriting during the 2020 lockdowns.

With his first short film now complete, Ylia is focused on honing his writing skills. Hitch Hiking Is Safe was a learning experience, designed to see how his words translated to the screen and to gain valuable lessons for future projects.

What’s Next?
For Ylia, the next step is more writing. He has a feature film script in the works, along with several other ideas he is currently outlining. With Hitch Hiking Is Safe just beginning its festival run, Ylia is eager to see how it performs and is hopeful for success on the circuit.

Connect with Ylia
If you’re interested in connecting with Ylia for future projects, you can find him on Instagram at @yliatrotter. Though he’s not currently a member of any film organizations, he’s always open to new opportunities and collaborations.

On the Horizon
As Hitch Hiking Is Safe begins its festival journey, Ylia Trotter is at an exciting crossroads in his filmmaking career. With a unique voice and a passion for darkly comedic storytelling, he’s a new filmmaker to watch. As he continues to write and develop new projects, Ylia is poised to make a significant impact in the world of independent film.

For more updates on his work and behind-the-scenes content, be sure to follow his journey on Instagram.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair: